Physician viewpoint: 5 healthy habits my patients taught me

Neha Vyas, MD, has spent more than two decades practicing as a family physician in Cleveland. In that time, she's picked up several healthy habits from her own patients, which she outlined in an op-ed for U.S. News & World Report.

Dr. Vyas said many of her healthiest patients share these five healthy habits:

1. They start their days with exercise. Most adults should aim to get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly, according to HHS recommendations cited by Dr .Vyas.

2. They don't swear off caffeine completely. Dr. Vyas said she limits herself to about one cup of coffee per day and avoids artificial sweeteners.

3. They make thoughtful food choices, whether it be a diet heavy in fruits and vegetables or bringing their own lunch to work.

4. They drink a lot of water. Dr. Vyas said she always keeps a glass of water at her desk that she refills throughout the day.

5.They spend time on an activity that helps keep them grounded, such as self-reflection or meditation.